Uploads from oldmantravels, tagged perfectionlake

Pano-Crystal Lake at the edge

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:57 -0700

Pano of Crystal Lake and in the right of the photo, LIttle Annapurna. The original photo I had posted was of the scene on the left with the lake but didn't include the cloud shrouded Little Annapurna on the right.

I originally had this lake identified wrong (thinking I took the photo on the way down to Inspiration and Perfection Lakes), but a kind observant Flickr member identified this as Crystal Lake. Thank you Thom.

Not long after this photo was taken The foursome I was through hiking with (Mike, Aura, Jack & Rachael), dropped down to Inspiration Lake where they all filtered and filled their water bottles. I found my three 500 ml water bottles, well spiked with Gatorade powder, were plenty for me for the day (it was a cool day for our through hike).

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Dark under cloud - sun up ahead

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:57 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

Not only was the scenery spectacular on our through hike through the Enchantment Lakes, but the rapidly changing weather conditions (rain, sun, snow) made for interesting light like in this photograph. It is dark under a heavy cloud and snow is starting to fall but less than a couple of miles away, the sun is shining on Prusik Peak (in the distance).

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Surprise

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:52 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

As my son described his encounter with this group of mountain goat in the Enchantment Lakes, near Inspiration Lake - - he came around a corner and found himself literally face to face with two nannies and two kids.

After they relaxed (and my son did as well), he got a wonderful series of photos of them.

Photo credit: my youngest son and his Canon G9 at the highest image size jpeg.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Lake outlet & tarn inlet

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:58 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

Outlet of Perfection Lake where it feeds into Sprite Lake. Truly a place for quiet reflection alone or a memorable place to share with another. I was happy to find a place like this to photograph, with the lovely lake colors, the granite rock garden, and the burning gold needles of the the larch (locals call the larch - - tamarack pines).

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Lookout with a view

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:53 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

This mountain goat is doing lookout duty on a granite outcropping that sits between Inspiration and Perfection lakes, in the Enchantment Lakes.

My son (who was hiking ahead of me and another group of hikers) ran into a group of goats there, and got some wonderful photo opportunities and did well in my opinion (Dad's are that way).

Photo credit: my youngest son and his Canon G9 at the highest image size jpeg.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Prusik Peak

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:56 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

I'm not a rock climber and have never been one, but, if you were a rock climber Prusik Peak (solid granite) must set off the "gotta do it" urge. What a classic peak.

For the non-climbers, a Prusik knot is an old fashion way of ascending up a rope. A prusik knot will slide yet hold your weight. Mechanical ascenders have pretty much made the technique archaic, but all good climbers will know the knot well, even today.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Just passing thru -- thank you.

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:52 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

Here a nannie and her kid hike through THEIR neighborhood and appear to ignore and accept the temporary company of backpackers.

My son took this photo near Inspiration Lake. I met the owners of this tent as we were leaving to hike toward Snow Lake, and they were returning from a day hike.

Photo credit: my youngest son and his Canon G9 at the highest image size jpeg.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Colchuck Lake & Aasgard pass

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:12:04 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

Our first glimpse of Colchuck Lake under the early morning clouds.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

A calm Colchuck Lake

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:12:14 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

The color of Colchuck Lake makes me glad photography exists. It would be difficult to put in words the deep rich pleasing colors of this alpine lake.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Son at Colchuck Lake

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:12:09 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

My son admiring the color (and probably the fishing potential) of Colchuck Lake.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Lake Viviane down to Snow Lakes

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:12:39 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

These "hiker assist" rebar and cement "steps" were not here when I hiked up from Nada Lake decades ago. They really weren't needed when we passed by, because the solid granite was pretty dry. However, had there been a veneer of ice or even lots of water, I would have endorsed their presence.

Left to right: Mike and his wife Aura. Jack and his wife Rachel. Two nice young couples who agreed to let me join them on the Enchantment Lakes through hike of 17 miles.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachel. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

The enchanting Enchantments

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:56 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

Part of the magificent beauty of the Enchantment Lakes are the endless smooth granite surfaces that invite exploration and compliment the tarns, snow fields, meadows, and larch stands. The clouds add to the mystery and appeal of the area. Popular for a reason.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Enchantment Lakes skyline

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:59 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

Prusik Peak and The Temple ridge. Enchantment Lakes in the Alpine Lakes wilderness of Washington State.

Photo credit: my youngest son and his Canon G9 at the highest image size jpeg.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Two by two - up they go

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:52 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

These two nannies and their kids have just passed through the campsite of some Enchantment Lake backpackers and are heading up the cliffs behind that camp that was located between Inspiration and Perfection lakes.

My son (who was hiking ahead of me and another group of hikers) ran into a group of goats there, and got some wonderful photo opportunities and did well in my opinion (Dad's are that way).

Photo credit: my youngest son and his Canon G9 at the highest image size jpeg.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Time for a drink

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:54 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

This mountain goat decided it was time for a drink near Inspiration Lake in the Enchantment Lakes. It had just walked within feet of some backpackers' tent (they were out on a day hike so nobody was home).

Photo credit: my youngest son and his Canon G9 at the highest image size jpeg.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Wherever Mom goes - I go.

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:52 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

Kid goats are "quick studies". Whatever Mom does they do, without fear or hesitation. Their survival depends on courage and ability.

Photo credit: my youngest son and his Canon G9 at the highest image size jpeg.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Nannie and kid

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:00:55 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

Mother and child near Inspiration Lake in the Enchantment Lakes. Notice the little horns the little one is starting to grow. It is amazing to watch the young ones tackle steep cliff faces at a very early age. They really are remarkable animals.

Photo credit: my youngest son and his Canon G9 at the highest image size jpeg.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Valley out - Nada Lake

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:12:41 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

With around 11 miles or route behind us and 6 or so to go, we start down from Snow Lakes to Nada Lake. The soft forest trail along Nadas shore was welcome tread for our hiking boots.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Larch (tamarack pine)

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:12:36 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

Larch, or as the locals call them, tamarack pine, are a conifer that sheds its needles in the fall, just as deciduous trees shed their leaves. The needles turn a rich golden color before they fall, providing som lovely color in the high country.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.

Dragontail

nobody@flickr.com (oldmantravels) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:12:21 -0700

oldmantravels posted a photo:

Dragontail peak above Aasgard Pass. It is typical of the sharp granite spired mountains of the Stuart Range, that cradle the Enchantment Lakes.

Thursday 9.25.2008 my son and I started a day hike from the Colchuck Lake trailhead. Our destination was to the top of Aasgard Pass and back.

At the end of Lake Colchuck our plan changed. My son would hike fast and hike through the Enchantment Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. I gave him my headlamp (as backup) with extra batteries, in case he needed to hike the last stretch in the dark. I had the vehicle keys and planned to hike back down Aasgard Pass; get the vehicle; and drive down to pick him up as he exited his solo through hike at the Snow Lakes trailhead.

3/4 of the way up Aasgard Pass, hiking on my own, I met Jack and Rachael. They were a friendly young couple, planning to hike all the way through from Colchuck TH to the Snow Lake TH (about 17 miles).

During our hike to the top of Aasgard, they invited me to join them on their through hike with their friends Mike and Aura. They had an extra head lamp and said they would give my son and I a shuttle back up to the Colchuck TH and our vehicle. It was an offer I couldn't resist.

So that is how it came to be. My son hiked solo from Aasgard Pass to the Snow Lake Trailhead, and I hiked along with four friendly young people on the same route but behind my son, who was hiking faster than the five of us.

It made for a long day of hiking but what great scenery and fun. I had backpacked up Aasgard twice and backpacked to Nada then day hiked up into the Enchantment Lakes once. All of those trips were decades ago (when I was young).

This was a first trailhead to trailhead through hike of the Enchantment Lakes for me and for my son. We both loved the experience. We got rain, sun, and snow - - and we were all constantly changing attire to fit the conditions of the moment. We saw mountain goat and pika. For us all it was a hike to remember.